(Newser)
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Iranian authorities have arrested a female serial killer whose methods were inspired by Agatha Christie's murder mysteries, the Guardian reports. The woman, 32, has confessed to befriending at least four elderly women at shrines, then knocking them out with drug-spiked drinks before suffocating them and stealing their valuables. Police say she has also admitted killing her aunt and a former landlord.

Detectives tracked down the killer after one intended victim escaped and gave police a description of the woman and her car. Christie's mysteries are hugely popular in Iran. The late British writer visited the country several times. One of her books, The House at Shiraz, is set there.